Improved security at Gatwick to aid speedy boarding

Gatwick Airport has confirmed the launch of its new South Terminal Security area.

Opened by Theresa Villiers, minister of state for transport, the state-of-the-art facilities will see passengers benefiting from a fast, smart and efficient security experience.

Processing every passenger in under five minutes, 19 new security lanes will allow almost 5,000 people per hour to pass straight through into the departure lounge.

The result of a £45 million investment, this large, high-tech security area for the South Terminal will include 15 standard lanes for passengers, two dedicated lanes for families with young children and passengers with reduced mobility, and two lanes for premium travellers.

Smarter scanning technology and automated processes will speed up travel through the security area by a quarter - increasing the passenger capacity for each of the 19 new lanes to 250 passengers per hour.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive, Gatwick Airport commented: “We are committed to making the airport experience an easier, speedier and less stressful experience for our passengers.

“The opening of the new South Terminal security area is just part of a £1.2 billion investment in Gatwick Airport, as we continually look to innovate and deliver solutions that will provide real benefit for passengers.

“We have improved every aspect of security - from the preparation area right through to the moment passengers hit the lounge - and are confident that the changes we have made will make a huge difference to all those travelling through the airport.”

A spacious preparation area has been positioned ahead of the main security area specifically designed to help passengers get themselves ready to go through security.

Large plasma screens giving instructions in five different languages also help passengers understand exactly what they can and can’t take through security.

Villiers said: “For many people, going through airport security can be their least favourite part of flying.

“I am delighted, therefore, to be able to open this impressive new facility.

“The team at Gatwick have clearly put a great deal of thought into how best to combine new technology, information and increased space to improve the passenger experience.”

In addition, passengers travelling through the new security area in the South Terminal will benefit from security access gates where passengers simply swipe their boarding card or Smartphone displaying their boarding card.

Another useful and customer-centric feature of the new security area are the colour-coded lanes with screens displaying the actual queue time, enabling passengers to choose the lane they want to use.